I Meant to Tell You

by James Stevenson

"Another of Stevenson's picture-book reminiscences, this title is a tender tribute to the simple things the author enjoyed doing with his daughter when she was small. His recollections include teaching her to swim, choosing a pumpkin, collecting things, going to the zoo--all activities any parent and child might do together, each perfectly sketched in a line or two. With childlike watercolors that exactly fit the brief text, this book is a wonderful read-aloud for story times."--School Library Journal.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books

24 pages, Hardcover

First published April 7, 1996

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads databse.

Reviews

[Claire Barnard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can connect to this book because the person is explaining what he meant to say one example is, "when I was working, you would ask me what I was doing. I gave you paper and crayons. You worked, too." That's one thing that I can relate to because when I had homework they will come up to me and ask "what are you doing." and I would just say homework and probably some paper and something to draw with. Once they have that they would just lay down and start drawing some pictures. I think you should read this book because It might bring back memories for you as it did for me.

[Rena Sherwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is apparently a book for the author's daughter. It's a deceptive book, in that it first appears to be very simple, but is very complex. You add your own imagination as to why the author is talking to his daughter like this ... and then you can it fit whatever life circumstance you find yourself in.

Dog lovers should note that an important part is played by the family dog, Sarah -- the only named character here. She looks all black, like a Labrador, but is relatively small. Perhaps she was a Lab cross. She apparently loved the beach, and was well trained enough to walk off-leash.

As an example of lots of layers packed into a deceptively simple package, here's the entire text of a visit to the rodeo:

One day we drove two hours through the rain to see a rodeo.

They roped a calf. You burst into tears.

We drove back home again.

Frigging genius.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

The prolific children’s author/illustrator, James Stevenson has wrote is loving remembrance title in 1996 remembering the activities of a daughter when she was young. I think this one could be used as a read aloud for K through 4 for a Father’s Day activity, for the child to remember something special they did with their father when younger. Perhaps an art project to accompany the remembrance.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice book of memories a parent shares with a child. It is a good reminder for parents to reminisce with their children, especially since they might not remember some of the events early in their childhood. The illustrations are fuzzy watercolors and go along well with the book. I think I like this more than our girls do, but they've humored me and let me read it to them a couple of times.

[Jeanelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am buying this book from Amazon because it's out of print. It was so touching I almost cried. If you have small children, you need to read this. Loved, loved, LOVED the illustrations.

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

sweet book. WE all need to enjoy the moment a little more and express our love more often before our children are grown.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was a very sweet story, but did not much like the illustrations.